From the beginning of Highland’s life, one can see the values that were expressed in their decisions. It is significant that on December 10,1950, at the first regular worship service held in the new building, Highland baptized Benjamin Douglas Morton III and Adra Gill Fariss. In June of 1950, a scouting program was developed by the church and in August Elder William Thacker was appointed the first superintendent of the Sunday school. These decisions reflect some of their priorities as a community.
From the beginning of Highland’s life together, children were a major influence. By April 1952, less than three years after their formation, they had added a director of religious education to their staff. While worship attendance was recorded as averaging about 135 people in November 1952, it was noted that church school attendance had not fallen below 300 on any Sunday since August. While many of these were adults, it may be open to question in some cases whether it was the parents who brought the children or the children who were the reason the parents came.
From the early rememberances of the Jewish community there is a strong tradition of teaching the children. That emphasis was maintained within the Christian community.
